Burglary in Essen: Aggressive shoplike is looking for police with photos

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Essen (ots)

In an apparently ordinary shopping situation in Essen, an incident occurred on June 4 of this year that attracts the attention of the police. Around 6:30 p.m., an unknown woman with a stroller entered a drugstore on Kupferdeher Straße. First she made her purchase there and paid the goods at the cash register.

After paying, however, the alarm triggered at the output. This led to a police search published a few days ago. The alarm seemed inexplicable, and an employee of the drugstore addressed the suspect to ask about the cause. The following discussion quickly developed into an aggressive situation. Instead of being cooperative, the woman became increasingly upset and struck herself while trying to flee.

attack on the employee

The drugstore employee tried to stop the woman, but she was already on the go. Ultimately, the suspect escaped on foot towards Hinsbecker Löh. The woman's aggressive reaction underlines the potential risks that are exposed to retail employees, especially when it comes to thefts or suspicious activities.

The Essen police are now investigating in this case and has published surveillance pictures in order to obtain information on the identity of the perpetrator. Interested citizens can see the pictures on the police search portal and possibly contribute valuable information to clarify the incident. The search portal is accessible at the following link: https://polizei.nrw/fahndung/144519 .

police investigation and call for help

The police ask for the population. Anyone who can provide information is asked to report to information. With targeted information, the police can possibly identify the suspect and take account.

The importance of such searches and the quick reaction of the police in such situations are crucial. It turns out that even everyday purchases in retail can lead to dangerous situations for employees. The police encourage society to be vigilant and report suspicious behavior in order to improve security in business and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Although the incident addresses stories about the challenges in retail and the security risk for employees, the criminal responsibility of the suspects is a central point. Especially if there are physical attacks, perpetrators must be held accountable to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

context of the shoplifting steels in Germany

shoplifting is a recurring problem in Germany that significantly stresses the retail industry. According to a study by the Germany (HDE) trade association (HDE), a total of around 4.5 billion euros were caused by shop theft and other property offenses in German retail. This statistical value not only hides material losses, but also an increase in security measures and the costs for the business that must be drawn up to prevent such incidents.

A significant part of this crime is strategically organized, often with the aim of stealing articles with high value or high demand. The increase in crime in retail also ensures an increase in psychological stress among employees who have to move in a constant area of ​​tension between customer service and security monitoring.

Statistical development of shoplifting

The reality of shoplifting is not only shown in the financial losses mentioned above. A survey by the German Commercial Institute showed that more than 70% of retailers reported an increase in shop theft in 2023. Another aspect that should be considered more attention is the demographic development of the perpetrators. The numbers show that not only people with a lower socio -economic status are affected, but also focus more and more people from different social classes.

| Year | Estimated damage (in millions of euros) | Share of business with thefts (%) |
| ———— | ——————————- | ——————————— | 2020 | 3.8 | 63 |
| 2021 | 4.2 | 68 |
| 2022 | 4.5 | 72 |
| 2023 | 4.9 | 75 |

These increasing numbers illustrate the continuing need for effective prevention strategies in order to increase security in shops and protect employees and customers. The police and retail associations are now working closer together to find better solutions against this form of crime, the modernization of surveillance technology and training for employees.